BEIJING - Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met with US Acting Under-secretary of Defense James N. Miller on Wednesday, and both sides expressed hope to maintain healthy and stable development of bilateral military ties.

Bilateral relations have developed stably in recent years, said Liang, noting that frequent high-level visits have promoted the building of a cooperative partnership of mutual respect and benefit between the two countries.

Noting that bilateral military ties face new development opportunities, Liang called on both sides to steer the relations on a correct course in accordance with the principle of mutual respect, mutual trust, reciprocity and mutual benefit.

He also urged the two sides to expand common interests and resolve differences, so as to ensure a sound and stable development of bilateral military relations.

Miller praised the smooth development of bilateral ties in recent years, describing military ties as the most important part of bilateral links.

The United States is willing to work with China to maintain healthy and stable development of bilateral military ties, increase bilateral strategic mutual trust and safeguard common security interests, he said.

Miller was in Beijing to attend the second China-US Strategic Security Dialogue and the fourth round of the China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue.